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Rabat – Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Ambassador Bonnie D. Jenkins, is expected to arrive today in Morocco as part of an official visit to take part in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) African Political Meeting and Outreach event.
During her visit, the US official will make visits to both Rabat and Marrakech.
The US Department of State said the PSI event will be co-chaired by Jenkins and the Moroccan Director for African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates Redouane Houssaini.
The event seeks to “encourage African countries to endorse the PSI, an enduring global effort to stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems, and related items,” the statement said.
The largest ever in Africa, the event will mark a US national statement delivered by Jenkins as well as bilateral meetings with African leaders.
The event will also include a live chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear defense demonstration, showcasing capacity-building opportunities for PSI partners.
During her visit to Rabat, Jenkins will also hold a bilateral meeting with Morocco’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nasser Bourita.
The meeting seeks to discuss US-Morocco bilateral cooperation as well as security in Africa.
PSI is an initiative launched in May 2003, with the aim of ending weapons of mass destruction trafficking as well as their delivery systems.
“PSI is a key part of the foundation of the global WMD nonproliferation regime and has maintained strong support as a Presidential priority in each of the U.S. Administrations since its inception,” according to the US State Department.
Jenkins’ visit is also part of US-Morocco’s determination to boost bilateral ties and cooperation at all levels, including security.
The US frequently emphasizes Morocco’s contribution to regional peace, security, and stability.
The latest statement was part of the US Department’s Country Reports on Terrorism, in which it emphasized Morocco’s effectiveness against terrorism.
“The Government of Morocco continued its comprehensive strategy, which includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies,” the State Department’s report said in December 2023.
